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Country Dark
Group Reads: Post-1990
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Final Impressions: Country Dark: July 2018
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Tom, "Big Daddy"
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Jun 23, 2018 03:08PM
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Read my 5-star review of Country Dark by Chris Offutt
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Laura wrote: "I have attached my original review that has a few articles/interviews with the author. I will be rereading. Read my 5-star review of Country Dark by Chris Offutt
https://www.goodreads.com/review/..."
Thanks, Laura. I am reading the book and finished the first section this morning. I have a hard time putting it down in order to get to other things.
I also want to reread the information that you linked to.
When the time comes, I'm happy to answer any questions. Thank you for choosing my book. I appreciate it.
Laura wrote: "https://m.soundcloud.com/aspen-public...Listened to this while having my morning coffee."
Thanks, Laura. I plan to listen to this while I am having lunch.
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You get to learn what his favorite word is.....any guesses? Actually 2 favs. The interview may be too detailed about book if you haven't finished, fyi.
Laura wrote: "HowardYou get to learn what his favorite word is.....any guesses? Actually 2 favs. The interview may be too detailed about book if you haven't finished, fyi."
I just finished it this morning, while having my coffee.
I'll have to think about his favorite words. I know what mine would be, but I can't say them here.
Laura wrote: "HowardYou get to learn what his favorite word is.....any guesses? Actually 2 favs. The interview may be too detailed about book if you haven't finished, fyi."
Now I know what his favorite words are. And no, I couldn't have guessed in a million years.
Thanks for the link to that interview. It was outstanding. He is really willing and able to talk about his craft.
Here is a cute story that Offutt told in one of his interviews. He named "Catcher in the Rye" as one of the books that changed his life. Here is how he was introduced to the book:"At age twelve I asked an elderly volunteer librarian to help me find a book on baseball. She asked for specifics and I told her that my favorite player was Johnny Bench, a catcher for the Reds. She went through the card catalog, took me to the adult section, and gave me Catcher in the Rye. That night I began reading it and stayed up very late. It was a revelation to me—that a book could be written with such a personal directness."
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Laura wrote: "Howard, been stalking looking for your review. Post when you get it up."Thinking about it. Trying hard to come up with a way to approach it.
I've been semi-retired from sharing my thoughts on books but this one compelled me to say something. Looking forward to some discussion soon.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Country Dark by Chris Offutt★★★★
The novel is appropriately entitled since it is an excellent example of Southern Gothic or noir-fiction. The author skillfully brought to life mountain life in 1950-60s Kentucky. The taciturn protagonist is very independent and mistrustful of government intrusion into his life. An enjoyable novel which should be a classic. For my full review, click here.
This was my first Chris Offutt book, but it won't be the last. Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just started a few nights ago. Whew, we are off to the races. Have met the children, Tuck is now being set up to take the fall. Sparse of word but heavy in depth. How does Hattie cope with her disappointments? How will Jo persevere? Jo has strong maternal feelings toward having her own children.
Spotted a dead snake or two. Am staying away from spoiler posts. I have big hopes for this story.
I'm 18th on the library's Varina list.
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Diane, you are always such an encouragement. Everybody is. Sometimes I just can't keep up. I used to be able to type by touch but now I stare at the keys and still they don't do what I tell them.
John wrote: "Diane, you are always such an encouragement. Everybody is. Sometimes I just can't keep up. I used to be able to type by touch but now I stare at the keys and still they don't do what I tell them."John, I dictate to Siri and even she doesn't type what I tell her. She absolutely mangles the interpretation of a Southern accent. I once texted an invitation to a new neighbor - asked if she and her husband were interested in our neighborhood couples' book club.
Except Siri thinks 'book' sounds exactly like "f&&k." True story.
If possible, you might go into this book with neutral expectations. Mine were pretty high, and the reason I've withheld comments in here is that the book ultimately didn't really thrill me.
Expectations are a curse for anything I'm about to read - may your experience be terrific!
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Wow, your neighborhood bookclub really swings!
😂 Siri thinks so!
I have not written my review yet, but Country Dark far exceeded my expectations. Tucker was a man of his word. An unforgettable character both kind and capable of violence when he or his family were threatened.
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